I so love Aurora Teagarden

These books are really fun. After reading all of Charlaine Harris's Sookie books and then all of the Harris's Harper Connelly books, I figured that the Aurora Teagarden series would naturally be next on the list. At first I really thought they were a bit cheesey, but Aurora started to grow on me. While it doesn't have any of the supernatural aspects of the other series and would be more of a PG rating, instead of the maybe PG-13 or R rating of the other series. This is a fun, quirky, easy read. The narrator is great & the character is lovable. After a slow start with the 1st book not knowing what to expect, I began to love the characters that were introduced and re introduced throughout the series, so by the time I got to the 8th book (within a weeks time) I will say each book in this series gets better. The only thing I do not like in the narration is how the mens voices are done. Although it's no big deal, she makes each male character sound like a sniviling nerd.

28 people found this helpful

Adjusting expectations

For any fan of Charlaine Harris, it is first necessary to understand that this first book in a series isn't like her Sookie Stackhouse or Harper Conolly series--nothing supernatural.
Second, it is an earlier work and, while the trademark humor and wit are there, the style and plotting aren't as fully developed as later works.
Third, while many characters are introduced in this book, they are not as well-developed as one might like, but they do turn up again in later books so don't dismiss them.
Fourth, this story and ones that follow are more like a leisurely stroll through a residential neighborhood than a car chase with spectacular crashes. Often, the story is as much a chronicle of Aurora's life as it is a mystery to be solved.
Fifth, Aurora is still finding herself so don't think that the sweet librarian in this book remains static and a fixed character in future books.

There was enough of interest in this first in the series for me to continue with more and it can't be compared to Sookie or Harper. It shouldn't be. It isn't deep, fast-paced, or overly complex. Aurora is not a super-sleuth or the most prudent person you will meet, but she is an interesting enough character for me to find it worthwhile to spend a few hours with as she lives her life and stumbles onto murder scenes.

130 people found this helpful

Forgot to go to bed!

I really enjoy Charlaine Harris as a writer but wasn't sure about how she would do with a straightforward murder mystery, which is how I would classify this book. Turns out I could not go to bed till I found out how it ended. The murderer is not who I thought it was...

14 people found this helpful

A light, entertaining murder mystery

This is a light, entertaining murder mystery with hints dropped along the way, but I was surprised when I found out who did it. However, in listening the 2nd time, some of the main character's comments are even funnier, now that I know how it ends. This book has me giggling out loud! I've read the second book, and am really looking forward to the others in this series.
Murder scenes are described in some detail, but not enough to keep me from recommending it to anyone easily made squeamish. The characters are described well enough that I feel like I would recognize them if I could meet them, but not in a way to bog down the story.
Highly recommended!

25 people found this helpful

Very Entertaining Listen - Just my Speed

I downloaded this book because I was familiar with the author, having listened to the Sookie Stackhouse series and was pleased to discover another series that I can begin to enjoy. This series has no supernatural actors, all 100% human. The main character, Aurora ("Ro") Teagarden, is a single woman who is a member of a murder club. Right at the beginning of the book one of the members of the club is murdered in a way similar to how someone the club had studied was murdered in the past. Everyone in the club is instantly a suspect and all kinds of fun ensues. This book is what I would call a "light" murder mystery. If you were going to give mysteries a rating, I would rate this one PG.

31 people found this helpful

Charlaine wrote some of the best Cozy Mysteries

I do like the Sookie Stackhouse books Charlaine has written but; I am a much bigger fan of her other books. The Aurora Teagarden series is great. I think that if you enjoy Cozies you will love her character. The Librarian murder detective idea may sound far fetched but, she pulls it off nicely. if you give this series a chance I think you will love it.

8 people found this helpful

I was not prepared...

What did you love best about Real Murders?

The story - I was so engaged in the storytelling. I am familiar with a lot of the cases this novel explores, so that was an interesting experience as I listened.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Real Murders?

There were so many, but most especially the ending. Harris did a solid job tying all the strings together.

What about Therese Plummer’s performance did you like?

The pacing of the story - Plummer is a fab reader for Aurora's story.

Any additional comments?

If you love cozy mysteries and are looking to expand your reading a little more, definitely make this a part of your listening library.

14 people found this helpful

Interesting mystery and great characters

I have been a huge fan of the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris and was happy to see she has another series. Real Murders introduces us to tiny Libraian Aurora Teagarden. She is part of a group which discusses real murders each month and they find themselves the targets of real murders. I enjoyed the cast of characters, each one with a distinct personality and role in the story. The story takes several turns so I was left guessing until the end on the "whodunnit" aspect. Main character Aurora is very likable and a bit adorable with how small and mousey she is.

The narrator does a good job of voicing the characters and delivering in a lively style. I look forward to the next Aurora Teagarden mystery!

6 people found this helpful

NOT a cozy mystery

When you read the summary you would think that this falls in the genre of a cozy mystery. And if you watched the hallmark movie remake of Aurora Teagarden you will definitely be expecting a cozy mystery. This book is WAY too graphic to fall into that category. I like to listen to my books as I relax and before bed, but some of the murders were written way too gorey. I liked the main character Aurora, but it just had too much gore and not enough charm. As an avid cozy mystery reader I could not finish this book. I tried a few times but every time I had to stop. So just be forewarned of that before buying!

51 people found this helpful

Relaxing and fun.

What made the experience of listening to Real Murders the most enjoyable?

This series is a nice change from so many on the market. The main character is fun and grows throughout the series. She is someone the reader cares about and wants to see succeed.

What did you like best about this story?

The main character. I enjoyed following her escapades.

What about Therese Plummer’s performance did you like?

It really felt as though she understood the character.

9 people found this helpful